Bus firm pledges to make Sheffield journeys cheaper

Alex Moore

Bus journeys in Sheffield will be cheaper for customers after a major operator made a promise not to be beaten on price.

First South Yorkshire is launching a trial price match scheme in the city. From Sunday, the company says it will lower the fare on any journey where a competitor offers a lower price.

A First South Yorkshire bus in Sheffield.

This means on the 75 from Firth Park to the city centre, for example, a £2 ticket will drop to £1.80. The same will apply to the 52 from Crookes, and a number of other services.

If people find a fare which another bus company offers at a cheaper rate, First has promised to match the price within seven days - and give the passenger who found the difference a refund.

The price promise trial will run until the end of December. If it is successful it will be rolled out across South Yorkshire.

Head of commercial at First Allan Riggall said: “This is the first time we have ever trialled something like this anywhere in South Yorkshire.

"We want our customers to know that when they travel with First South Yorkshire, not only will they receive a high quality service, but they will also receive the best value journey.

“The price promise is really simple. We’ve reviewed hundreds of our Sheffield bus fares as part of our promise, and from this Sunday, we will be reducing dozens of prices for our customers, so that they receive the best fares available.

“In the event that customers find a cheaper fare available for the same journey, we will provide a refund, and bring our fare down."

The company hopes to simplify bus travel in the wake of mass confusion caused by timetable changes at the end of last year.

Earlier this year operators including First admitted the changes had not gone smoothly, but said reliability and punctuality had improved since routes were altered for a second time, following complaints and a debate at Sheffield Council.

Mr Riggall added: “We’re excited to bring this new initiative to Sheffield, and we believe that the price promise builds on the recent success of the Sheffield Bus Partnership and the great value, multi-operator, Travel Master tickets.”